My husband, Jim, and I have lived in Hernando County for nine years, having relocated from northwest New Jersey in 2000. We live in Hernando Beach as we love being close to the water and all the opportunities it affords us for sailing, kayaking, etc.

Before retiring, I was employed by the state of New Jersey for more than 33 years, first as a social worker and then as a supervisor overseeing various aspects of the litigation process involved in freeing children for adoption. I ended my career with the state of New Jersey teaching computer applications to employees.

What kinds of activities are you involved in now?

My husband and I love sailing and spend a lot of time on our 32-foot schooner, Ariel. It is an older boat that we have spent quite a bit of time restoring. We think it looks pretty special now.

Tell me more about that.

We enjoy taking short sailing trips between Hernando Beach and Clearwater, as well as some longer ones to Sarasota and the Charlotte Harbor area. If conditions are right, we just pop out for a day sail.

Do you have any special hobbies?

Besides sailing, I spend a lot of time pursuing my woodcarving and pyrography (wood burning) interests. I usually enter my work in the state fair and at local shows. I belong to two woodcarving clubs — Weeki Wachee Wood Carvers and Calusa Wood Carvers.

The Weeki Wachee Wood Carvers Club and the Suncoast Ship Model Society will have a joint show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Weeki Wachee Senior Citizens Club, 3357 Susan Drive, in Weeki Wachee Acres, Spring Hill.

The show will be open to the public, giving people a rare opportunity to see ships and boats from the 18th century to modern times, and a variety of wood carvings, including wild animals, birds and other subjects. Modelers and carvers will be on hand to answer any questions.

What are your favorite things to do in Hernando County?

My husband and I love to kayak down the beautiful Weeki Wachee River, as well as visit Hernando County's many beautiful parks.

What do you think would make Hernando County a better place to live?

Living in Hernando Beach, I certainly look forward to having the dredging of the channel completed.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know.

Upon meeting me, most people probably don't realize how competitive I can be.

Hernando Neighbors is an occasional feature of the Hernando Times. Do you know someone who would make a good profile? We'd like to hear from you. Contact Jean Hayes, community news coordinator, at jhayes@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1438.

There is a reason why the air in Tampa Bay is filled with playoff talk. If Thursday night's 12-8 Bucs preseason win over the Jaguars is any indication, it's also going to be filled with footballs thrown by quarterback Jameis Winston.